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By Ankit Gupta
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Updated on 10 Oct 2025, 16:50 IST
The NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria is the first step for every student planning to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in 2026. Before filling out the application form, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026, as prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Students who meet the NEET 2026 eligibility norms will be allowed to take the exam for admission into MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India and abroad.
The NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria by NTA covers key requirements such as age limit, nationality, educational qualifications, and subject-wise marks in Class 12. Candidates must carefully go through these rules to avoid disqualification later. The NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for MBBS admissions clearly states what percentage of marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English is needed. Knowing the NEET 2026 eligibility marks in 12th helps students plan their preparation in advance.
The NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 ensures that only candidates who fulfill the academic and age requirements can move ahead with the registration process. It is crucial to know the NEET 2026 eligibility norms because they form the basis for admission in medical colleges across India.
The NEET 2026 eligibility rules explain who is allowed to appear for the exam. These rules make sure the admission process for medical colleges in India is fair and the same for all students. Below is a table that highlights the main requirements:
| NEET Eligibility Criteria | |
| Academic Qualification | 10+2 or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| NEET Eligibility Marks | General Category – 50% (PH – 45%) OBC/SC/ST – 40% (PH – 40%) Note: Mathematics scores are not considered for this examination. |
| Age Limit | Minimum: 17 Years Age Maximum: No upper age limit |
| Number of Attempts | No restrictions on the number of attempts. |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals NRIs, OCIs, PIOs & Foreign Nationals |
| Score Validity | One Academic Year |
The NEET 2026 eligibility criteria released by NTA outline the basic rules every candidate must follow to apply for the exam. These include details about nationality, minimum and maximum age, educational qualifications, and how many times a student can attempt the test.
It is important for every aspirant to check the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria in advance to make sure they qualify before filling the application form. These rules create a fair and uniform process for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses in India.
Do Check: NEET 2026 Exam Date
To get admission into MBBS programs through NEET UG, candidates must meet the official NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria for MBBS set by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These rules define who can apply, what marks are required, and what age limits apply. Understanding these guidelines is important because only students who fulfill the NEET 2026 eligibility norms will be considered for MBBS seats in India or abroad.
1. Nationality
JEE
NEET
Foundation JEE
Foundation NEET
CBSE
2. NEET Age Limit 2026
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| General | 17 years | No upper limit |
| OBC/SC/ST/PwD | 17 years | No upper limit |
3. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with the following subjects:
The NEET 2026 Eligibility Marks in 12th are:
| Category | Minimum PCB Percentage |
| General/Unreserved | 50% |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40% |
| PwD (General) | 45% |
Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 can also apply, but they must secure the required NEET eligibility marks in 12th before admission.
4. NEET Attempt Limit 2026
5. Additional Rules for MBBS Admissions
Do Check: NEET 2026 Application Form
The NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 differ for General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
| Category | NEET Eligibility Marks in 12th (PCB Aggregate) | Minimum Marks in Each Subject | English Requirement |
| General | 50% | Pass | Pass |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40% | Pass | Pass |
| PwD (General) | 45% | Pass | Pass |
Candidates should calculate marks only from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology.
The NEET Age Limit 2026 is set by NTA to ensure candidates fall within the right age bracket.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Remarks |
| General | 17 years (by 31st Dec 2026) | No upper limit | As per current rules |
| OBC/SC/ST/PwD | 17 years | No upper limit | Relaxation applies in admissions |
The NEET Age Limit ensures fairness and equal opportunity.
Earlier, NEET had a maximum attempt restriction. However, the NEET Attempt Limit 2026 has been removed. Candidates can appear as many times as they meet the eligibility requirements.
| Criteria | Current Rule (2026) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years |
| Maximum Age | No restriction |
| Attempt Limit | Unlimited |
Students who have studied abroad or are international applicants need to follow certain rules to be eligible for NEET UG 2026.
Academic Requirements:
Admission Eligibility:
Do Check: NEET 2026 Syllabus
| Category | Required Documents |
| NRI / OCI Students | A certificate issued by the Indian Diplomatic Mission in their country of residence confirming NRI/OCI status. |
| Foreign Nationals | Valid passport pages or a certificate from the competent authority in their home country confirming citizenship. |
Note: NRI, OCI, and foreign national applicants can appear for NEET UG 2026 if they meet the academic requirements, follow admission rules of states and institutions, and provide the correct documents during the application process.
For NEET 2026, candidates must choose the correct NEET qualifying examination code while filling out the application form. This code tells NTA about the level of education the candidate has completed. Along with this, students must meet the required NEET 2026 eligibility marks in 12th:
Choosing the right code is very important, otherwise the application may get rejected. Below is the list of NEET Qualifying Codes 2026 and their details.
| Sl. No. | NEET Qualifying Code | Description |
| 1 | Code 01 | For candidates appearing in Class 12 board exam in 2026 and awaiting results. They must pass with required marks before admission. |
| 2 | Code 02 | For students who have already passed Class 12/Higher Secondary/ISCE with PCB and English. Droppers from any year after Class 12 also select this code. |
| 3 | Code 03 | For candidates who completed Intermediate/Pre-degree in Science from a recognized board/university with PCB and English, including practical tests. |
| 4 | Code 04 | For those who passed Pre-professional/Pre-medical after Higher Secondary or equivalent, with PCB and English including practical exams. |
| 5 | Code 05 | For students enrolled in a three-year degree course with PCB. Must have cleared the first year with practicals. The earlier 10+2 exam must also include PCB and English. |
| 6 | Code 06 | For B.Sc. graduates who studied at least two subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology. They must also have passed 10+2 with PCB and English. |
| 7 | Code 07 | For candidates who passed any other exam equivalent to Class 12 with PCB and English, including practical tests. This also applies to students who completed their education abroad. |
The NEET Qualification Codes 2026 help NTA verify academic eligibility for MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses. Every aspirant must read these carefully and choose the correct code when registering for NEET UG 2026.\
Do Check: NEET 2026 Admit Card
Students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 can also apply. They must:
| Category | Required Percentage (PCB aggregate) |
| General | 50% |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40% |
| PwD | 45% |
The minimum marks in 10+2 ensure academic readiness for MBBS and allied courses.
Candidates must upload and present documents to confirm eligibility.
| Document | Purpose |
| Class 10 Certificate | Proof of date of birth |
| Class 12 Marksheet | Proof of eligibility marks in 12th |
| Category Certificate | For OBC/SC/ST/PwD relaxations |
| Nationality Proof | Passport, Aadhaar, or other ID |
| OCI/Foreign Certificates | For overseas candidates |
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The NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria defines who can apply for the exam. As per the NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria by NTA, candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026, must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English in Class 12, and must score the required NEET 2026 eligibility marks in 12th based on their category.
For eligibility criteria for NEET 2026, the marks required in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) are:
These category-wise NEET eligibility marks in 12th are mandatory to qualify for MBBS and BDS admissions.
For General/Unreserved candidates, the NEET 2026 Eligibility Marks in 12th is 50% in PCB subjects. This is clearly stated under the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for MBBS by NTA.
OBC candidates need 40% aggregate in PCB to qualify. This relaxation is part of the NEET 2026 eligibility norms so that students from reserved categories also get equal opportunity.
The NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for MBBS includes:
The NEET Age Limit 2026 specifies that the candidate must be 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026. Currently, there is no upper age limit for NEET 2026, making it easier for repeat candidates and older students to apply.
As per the NEET Attempt Limit 2026, there is no restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for NEET as many times as they want, provided they meet the NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria by NTA.
Yes, NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) students who studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English are eligible under the NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026. They must meet the required NEET 2026 Eligibility Marks in 12th for their category.
Yes. Candidates appearing for Class 12 in 2026 are eligible. They must choose the right NEET qualifying code while filling out the form and later provide their Class 12 marks. However, they must score the minimum NEET eligibility marks in 12th before admission.
The NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 for NRIs/OCI/Foreign Students requires them to pass Class 12 or an equivalent exam with PCB and English. They may need to submit an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The NEET eligibility criteria for 2026 for NRIs and OCI/Foreign ensures overseas students can also apply for MBBS admissions in India.
To meet the NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria, candidates must submit:
No. A gap year does not affect the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026. As long as you meet the NEET Age Limit 2026 and have the required NEET 2026 Eligibility Marks in 12th, you can apply.
Currently, there is no upper NEET Age Limit. This means even older candidates who fulfill the NEET 2026 eligibility norms can appear for the exam.
For MBBS admission in India, the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for MBBS requires:
These marks are strictly based on NEET 2026 Eligibility Marks in 12th.
The NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria by NTA is officially issued by the National Testing Agency. All candidates must follow these NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 guidelines for MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses.
